BRUNO GUIMARAES
Eddie Howe labelled Bruno Guimaraes’ contribution to Newcastle United’s 5-1 win over Brentford as ‘outstanding’ after the Portuguese was on the scoresheet twice. “He was outstanding,” said Howe, as the Magpies celebrated a year since their Saudi takeover. “We really missed him when he was out as he is a quality player who helps us in every phase. He is amazing for us. It’s not just the player but the person. He’s a pleasure to coach and be around, an energiser, and everyone connected with the club loves to work with him.”
GRAHAM POTTER
Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge marked Graham Potter’s first home Premier League victory as manager. “Games are never easy in this league,” insisted Potter. “I thought we played well in the first half and I was disappointed not to score earlier than we did. The goal was important when it came but Wolves started the second half well. We scored again at a good time and then finished things off, so that was brilliant for us.”
GARY O’NEIL
Gary O’Neil boosted his chances of becoming the next permanent Bournemouth manager after leading his side to a comeback victory over Leicester City. The Cherries sit eighth in the table and since succeeding Scott Parker at the Vitality Stadium, O’Neill has seen his team go on a five-match unbeaten run. O’Neill declared himself ‘delighted’ with the display against Leicester, saying: “I was delighted with the whole performance really, even the first half. I thought being 1-0 down at half-time was harsh on us. We missed some good chances and didn’t feel as if Leicester threatened our goal. We were a bit unfortunate with their goal and I was really pleased.”
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to score his 700th club goal as Manchester United rallied to defeat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park. The Portuguese entered the fray in the first half, coming on for the injured Anthony Martial, and broke away just before the break to beat Jordan Pickford with a low shot to seal the points. Ronaldo’s only previous goal this campaign had come from the penalty spot in the Europa League.
JESSE MARSCH
Leeds United now sit just three points above the relegation zone after going down 2-1 at Crystal Palace, with Jesse Marsch’s men having taken just one point in four away games this season. “Most of the teams I’ve coached, we score goals in bunches, but here we aren’t able to reward ourselves when we create chances,” said Marsch, who remained optimistic. “It’s been like that in every game. We need to find a way to get a lead and hold onto it. We like this group a lot. I like this team, I love this team, I really do. I believe in the players and know we are going to improve and keep getter better.”
JURGEN KLOPP
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are in a lowly tenth spot in the table after going down 3-2 to Arsenal in a thriller at the Emirates Stadium. However, the German was incensed after the games as he accused Gabriel Jesus of a ‘made up’ fall in the box, with Bukayo Saka holding his nerve to score the winner from the resulting penalty to secure the points for the Gunners. “What can I say about that situation? “raged Klopp. “The referee thought immediately that it was a penalty, which is interesting, but it is his decision. VAR had a look at it as well and thought it was a penalty. We know in life if two refs think the same that is the truth and we must live with it. If I see the situation back, if there was contact – and I’m not sure there was – the player was on both feet and then went down. That’s an indication something might have been made up – but not for the refs.”
WOLVES
Managerless Wolves continued their downward spiral with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea. The Midlanders were playing their first game since the sacking of Bruno Lage and rarely troubled a Chelsea side that rarely needed to get out of second gear. Having lost their last three matches, Wolves are stuck in the relegation zone and have been victorious in just one of their last 16 Premier League games. This week they were linked with a move for former Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui.
RALPH HASSENHUTL
The pressure has increased on Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl after the 4-0 mauling at Manchester City. The defeat was Saints’ fourth in a row, which has included losses to Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton, with reports also surfacing of players being unhappy with his methods. Southampton face a trip to West Ham next weekend before a clash with south coast rivals Bournemouth. If they fail to pick up a result in either then it would be no surprise to see the Austrian fighting for his future at the club.
